Wild stat sums up Vikings’ unusual season

Aug 29, 2019; Orchard Park, NY, USA; General view of a Minnesota Vikings helmet prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings had one of the most unusual seasons in NFL history this year, and one crazy stat helps show just how unique it was.

The Vikings saw their season come to an end with a 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs on Monday night. Minnesota had to play on the road in the opening round despite going 14-3 in the regular season, which is practically unheard of.

In total, the Vikings lost four games this season. Those four losses came at the hands of two teams — the Rams and Detroit Lions. Not only that, but Minnesota lost to Detroit and then L.A. in back-to-back weeks on two separate occasions.

Vikings have lost only 4 games this year…

Week 6 vs. Lions
Week 7 vs. Rams

Week 18 vs. Lions
Wild Card Round vs. Rams

back-to-back losses, twice this season. pic.twitter.com/8yqF5ywCb2

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 14, 2025

Minnesota’s first loss of the season was to the Lions in Week 6. They then lost to the Rams the following week. Both teams got the best of Minnesota again to close out the year, and the latter two games were not particularly close. In addition to the 27-9 loss on Monday night, the Vikings fell 31-9 to Detroit in Week 18 with the No. 1 seed in the NFC on the line.

Another stat that highlights (or lowlights) how bizarre the Vikings’ season was is that no NFL team has ever won 14 or more games and then lost back-to-back games to close out the year.

Before this season, no 14+ win NFL team had ever had its season end with back-to-back losses (by any amount).

The Vikings lost their last 2 games this season by a combined 40 points.

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) January 14, 2025

After playing at an MVP level for much of the season, Sam Darnold struggled in Minnesota’s final two games. He is scheduled to become a free agent, and his play late in the year could have a huge impact on his value.

There has been talk of the Vikings potentially making a big trade this offseason, but that now seems a lot less likely.